Join Us On The SFHS Path

"Happy is he who places all his joy and happiness in the holy words and works of God, and who leads others to His holy love in joy, happiness, and bliss."  

Saint Francis of Assisi 

Welcome

Welcome to the 2026–2027 Admissions Journey at St. Francis High School!

The beginning of a new school year brings a special kind of energy to St. Francis High School, one filled with excitement, possibility, and a strong sense of belonging. That energy comes to life during Freshman Orientation, when our newest students step onto campus for the first time as freshmen and are intentionally welcomed into the Spartan community. From day one, our focus is helping students feel confident, connected, and ready to begin their high school journey.

At SFHS, we believe confidence grows when students know they belong. Our onboarding experience is thoughtfully designed to ensure every student feels seen, supported, and comfortable as they transition into high school life. Through meaningful relationships with faculty, staff, and peers, students quickly learn they are part of a caring community invested in their success.

High school at SFHS is about formation. In classrooms, on teams, on stage, and through service, students are encouraged to challenge themselves while knowing support is always close at hand.

We invite prospective parents to join us for our Spartan Showcase: Parent Essentials Info Night on Thursday, September 17 at 6:30 p.m., and discover what sets the SFHS experience apart.

Thank you for considering St. Francis High School. We look forward to welcoming your family to our community.

Pace e Bene – Peace and all good.

Patrick Jacobsen

Director of Admissions

Only at St. Francis High School

THIS ISSUE’S FEATURE:

What Really Happens When You Send Your Freshman Off to High School?

At St. Francis High School, the first day isn’t just about finding lockers or snapping ID photos, it’s about helping students feel like they belong.

A Welcome That Builds Confidence

Freshman Orientation begins with gentle guidance through the basics of high school life, but what students notice most is the care surrounding them. Upperclassmen from the National Honor Society, Spartan Life Team, and Student Ambassador Leadership Team greet freshmen, lead icebreakers, and share what it means to be a Spartan. From the start, new students are supported by peers who have walked the same path and are eager to welcome them in.

“Orientation is not just about familiarizing students with the layout; it is about building a strong foundation for success,” says Maureen Isphording, SFHS Assistant Principal for Student Life. “Through engaging activities and meaningful interactions with faculty, staff, and student leaders, our freshmen begin to forge connections that will enrich their high school experience.”

The morning also includes a meaningful introduction to Saint Francis of Assisi and the values that shape daily life at SFHS—what we call The Francis Way—helping students understand not just where they are, but who we strive to be as a community.

Finding Their Place

Lunch with homeroom gives freshmen space to connect and begin forming friendships. From there, students explore campus through a scavenger hunt and a walk-through of a practice class schedule. With SFHS to themselves, freshmen gain familiarity with their surroundings in an atmosphere that encourages confidence.

“Freshman Orientation provides our new students with an invaluable opportunity to experience the school with their peers in a supportive atmosphere. Having the school to themselves allows freshmen to explore their new surroundings freely, fostering comfort and confidence as they navigate this important transition,” says Maureen Isphording.

Becoming Spartans

The day concludes with a spirited pep rally, where freshmen learn traditions, sing the school song, and experience the excitement of Spartan pride.

Freshman Orientation at SFHS is the first step into a community where students are known, supported, and ready to thrive.

I Am.....

.....confident from the start.

“I remember my first day at St. Francis, during Freshman Orientation, we sat in our homeroom for the first time and the teacher said, ‘Turn to the person on your left and on your right and introduce yourself. These are the people you will be sitting with the next four years,’ and I remember introducing myself to the girls on either side of me and four years later we are still great friends.” – Karena K. ‘27

“Freshman Orientation helped me feel a lot less nervous because it helped me get to know the community better and meet a bunch of new people before school started. Being given the ability to walk around the school, learning a little overview of my classes, and doing fun things to meet new people made the transition less overwhelming. Even though I was still nervous on the first official day of school, getting the worry of finding new people to talk to out of the way helped it feel much easier to adjust to the new school.” – Lily J. ‘29“

“Freshman Orientation helped me to make new friends because it was just the freshman class that was there, so everyone got a chance to meet new people and make new friends. I formed friendships by just introducing myself and asking what the other person‘s interests are.” – Reilly D. ‘29

Parent Perspective

A Confident First Step

“The St. Francis community is unmatched. Before your child even starts their first day of school, you already feel like you are a part of the St. Francis family. From the administration to the students, everyone is so friendly and welcoming.” – Stephanie Coumas, Class of 2027 Parent

Around SFHS

Back-to-Back: St. Francis Claims Daily Herald Cup Title Again!

St. Francis High School Athletics has once again earned the No. 1 ranking in the Daily Herald Cup, solidifying its place as the top athletic program in the region. The Daily Herald Cup recognizes the most successful overall athletic program among more than 80 high schools in the newspaper's circulation area, using a points system based on teams' finishes in state competitions.

This achievement marks the second consecutive year that St. Francis has finished first overall, a testament to the dedication, talent, and hard work of our student-athletes, coaches, and supporters across all sports programs.



Building for the Future: Major Campus Upgrades Complete!

Students and families will be welcomed back to campus with exciting new improvements this fall. Summer construction has been successfully completed on our new parking lot, adding more than 100 additional parking spaces for students and improving campus accessibility and convenience.

In addition, the South Hall has been completely renovated, featuring modernized learning spaces and brand-new classrooms designed to enhance the student experience. These upgrades reflect St. Francis High School’s ongoing commitment to providing a first-class environment for learning, growth, and success.